The digital economy is expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities for economic growth and structural transformation worldwide. In developing countries, digitalization is increasingly recognized as a key driver of productivity, innovation and sustainable development. However, UNCTAD’s recent World Investment Report 2025 shows that investment in the digital economy remains highly concentrated: over 80% of greenfield FDI in digital sectors flows to just 10 developing economies, mainly in Asia. 

Growth is also uneven across sectors. In 2024, international investment in digital services in developing countries reached $37 billion in 2024, while investment in core infrastructure remained limited, at $9 billion. Globally, greenfield…